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By Apoorva Bose, G20 GLI Project Coordinator

The G20 Global Land Initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), successfully concluded the second edition of the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP). The prestigious Academy held from 5-9 August 2024 in Bonn, Germany, brought together 24 distinguished parliamentarians from 23 countries, all united in their commitment to sustainable land management and climate action.

In his keynote address, Ibrahim Thiaw, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of UNCCD, emphasized the critical role of land restoration in addressing a range of climate change-related challenges.

“Land restoration is a win-win situation for addressing multiple climate change-related challenges such as food security, carbon emissions, forced migration, and biodiversity loss,” he said.

Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 GLI, highlighted the urgency of the land crisis. He stressed that “land is fundamental to all of us. 100% of humanity, over seven billion people, live on land. It provides 99% of our food and is a platform for more than 90% of our jobs. The land crisis is real, and we must act now to preserve it.”

The five-day Academy, hosted at the UNSSC campus in Bonn, is an unparalleled platform for global dialogue, learning and engagement, centered on land conservation and restoration.

Bonn, often described as Germany’s sustainability hub, was an ideal backdrop for these discussions.

Patrick van Weerelt, Head of the UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development, welcomed the parliamentarians, emphasizing the Academy’s mission to equip lawmakers with the skills necessary to legislate and advocate for sustainable land management.

Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of UNCCD, delivers the keynote address

Throughout the week, participants engaged in expert-led masterclasses and workshops, gaining insights from distinguished speakers. They included H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, 48th President of Costa Rica; Dr Jyotsna Puri, Associate Vice President, Strategy and Knowledge Department, International Fund for Agricultural Development; and Sumana Shrestha, Member of Parliament and Former Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Nepal.

The Academy also featured leadership labs, equipping participants with actionable insights, and exceptional global networking opportunities that offer meaningful connections.

Participants engage in a hands-on masterclass, exploring innovative approaches to sustainable land management

Ecopreneurs share their groundbreaking initiatives with delegates, highlighting the economic potential of sustainable land management

A key highlight of G-CAP 2024 was the field visit to Eschweiler, one of Europe’s largest restored open-cast mines, which is a tangible example of eco-social transformation. Participants engaged with local stakeholders about the challenges and successes of sustainable development and land regeneration.

G-CAP delegates visit one of Europe’s largest restored open-cast mines in Eschweiler to learn about sustainable land regeneration firsthand

On the final day of the Academy Parliamentarians shared their collective call to action. They pledged to advocate in their home countries both for land restoration and the continuation of the G-CAP initiative.

Parliamentarians left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to drive change to restore degraded lands. The insights gained, the networks formed and the knowledge shared will undoubtedly translate into impactful legislative actions and policies worldwide.

Delegates proudly display their national costumes in front of the historic Town Hall in Bonn, symbolizing the global commitment to sustainable land management